Croatians vote in EU referendum

Croatians are deciding on European Union membership in a referendum that many say is crucial for the future of the former Yugoslav republic, 20 years since its independence.

A positive outcome of Sunday's vote, which pre-poll surveys show is likely, would enable the Balkan country to become the 27-nation bloc's next member in July, 2013.

Croatia's leaders say that entering the bloc has been a strategic goal since the country won its hard-fought independence following the 1991-95 war with rebel Serbs and will confirm a break from the volatile Balkans region.

Al Jazeera's Emma Hayward reports from Zagreb.